One of the true joys of Bike Commute Challenge season is reading all the testimonials that get sent in from folks about their team captains. Our hats off to all the team captains out there inspiring new commuters, encouraging coworkers, and advocating for workplace support for bike commuting. We’ll announce the 2013 Team Captain of the Year at Thursday’s Awards Party at City Hall, but in the meantime, enjoy a quote about each of our nominees to get a taste for how inspiring each of these individuals is.

Ben Weber

SERA Architects

“I haven’t ridden a bike since I was maybe five years old. . . but Ben started talking to me about rules and tips months ago to get me psyched up for September.”

Terrence Conlon

US Geological Survey

“I am a non-athletic, 47-year old Hydrologist and Mom of three kids, and I commute to work by bike year-round because of Terrence D. Conlon, USGS Oregon Water Science Center Team Captain!”

Nancy Bales & Kate Carone

Ecotrust

“They are enthusiastic, conscientious, stylish and have an infectious love of biking. For example, this year they instituted a weekly cookie drawing for those that entered their trips for the week. Guess who has diligently logged her miles each week for the first time EVER?”

Deveron Musgrave

BRING Recycling

“She is a mother, a manager, on several boards and commissions throughout our area and rides her bike 17 miles a day to work!”

Chris Olivier

City of Medford

“In addition to his BCC leadership, he also coordinates the Bike to Work Week breakfast table in front of City Hall every May, and does a great job as the City Liaison to the City’s Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee.”

“Matt Gilman is a great team captain because he not only sets great example with a serious commute (28 miles!), but he also inspires his coworkers to participate. I was not going to take part in the challenge this year, but Matt talked me into it during the course of an elevator ride!”

Leonard Cano

Intel Oregon

“Leonard has spurred the Intel Oregon Team on to attain great things! As of September 17th, we have already beaten our total number of miles from last year. “

Josh Reagan

Providence Milwaukie Family Medicine

“Several of us had never ridden to work until Josh’s bike vibes got into us.”

Thomas Mills

Vestas

“It’s even been rumored that if he interviews someone coming in from out of state, he’ll leave a bike for them at Portland Airport instead of a rental car.”